Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A warning has been sounded about rogue taxi drivers as the Christmas party season approaches. Licensing chiefs at the local authority are urging people across Carmarthenshire to stay safe when they use a cab. They fear unlicensed drivers will be cashing in as growing numbers of people need taxis over the busy festive period. Cabbies will be in high demand over the coming weeks as partygoers decide to drink and not drive. More people are also out shopping and the cold and wet weather means less will be inclined to walk home or wait at bus stops. Licensing officers at Carmarthenshire Council have joined forces with the police to raise awareness of the problem and to carry out joint enforcement across the county during this busy period. Residents are being warned they are not insured if they travel in an unlicensed cab, and people are being urged to check out cars and their drivers before they get in. Drivers should always wear identification badges and taxis are usually parked at known r...

The first electric taxi in Carmarthenshire has been licensed. Andrew Paul Morgans of AJ’s Taxis, Park View, Llanelli, has been granted a licence for a Nissan Leaf Electric Car. Mr Morgans asked today’s meeting of the county council’s licensing committee to grant him an exemption from the licensing condition that says that a hackney carriage vehicle must have an engine capacity of at least 1200cc. A report by senior licensing officer Justin Power said: “This vehicle features an advanced 24kwh or 30kwh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack designed to provide clean, reliable power and therefore does not meet the current Engine Capacity Licence Condition. “This vehicle is fully compliant with all other conditions of licence for hackney carriage vehicles.” Mr Morgans told the committee: “We were looking for the most economical and environmentally-friendly car and this came on top. There are taxi companies across the UK using this car successfully. We would be the first down here.” Executiv...

Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police have carried out a number of taxi enforcements across the county. The unannounced checks have been aimed at ensuring licensed taxis are in suitable condition and that drivers are meeting their licensing conditions. On one recent weekend, 30 taxis were stopped in various locations for spot-checks. One vehicle was suspended and taken off the road and four vehicles were found to be in breach of licence conditions. Another two were given advice on tyres being near their limits. A similar unannounced spot-check has recently been carried out to inspect taxis during the school run in Carmarthen, when the council’s licensing officers and school transport team joined forces. A total of 14 taxis were checked – three drivers did not have their taxi badge, and one vehicle was in breach of licence conditions. The council is now dealing with the issues that came to light during these enforcements. Related link Details about taxi lice...